Cycle Expo Yorkshire creates UK’s first inclusivity zone

Cycle Expo Yorkshire will be the first UK cycle show to have a zone dedicated to accessibility and inclusivity in cycling.

Taking place from 12 – 14 October, Cycle Expo Yorkshire is championing cycling as a sport for all with the announcement of the expo’s Don’t Quit, Do It zone in partnership with Irwin Mitchell.

The dedicated area will be filled with products, expert advice, communities and support services. Alongside Irwin Mitchell as zone sponsors, exhibitors in the zone include recumbent tricycles manufacturer, Ice Trikes, as well as charities Brake and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Charlotte Scoular from Cycle Expo Yorkshire said: “Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular sport and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy it. Accessibility and inclusivity in cycling is a topic which isn’t widely discussed in the industry and we want to bring it to the forefront by providing a dedicated zone to organisations working within that area.

“Led by Irwin Michell’s campaign Don’t Quit, Do It, the zone is designed to offer solutions and advice to those who have a disability or injury which may mean it is more difficult for them to just pick up a bike and go.“

Visitors to the show will be able to get advice from industry experts, see and test the latest modified bikes and connect with dedicated support groups and communities, including York based, Get Cycling. The not-for-profit charity will be running a demo ride during the show to allow visitors to test out their wide range of recumbent and adaptive bikes.

Claire Newstead, a partner and expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Our Don’t Quit, Do It campaign is about supporting people of all abilities in disability sport, through grassroots participation, supporting elite-level athletes such as Hannah Cockroft and Alfie Hewitt and partnering with disability sports organisations up and down the country.

“We want to raise awareness of the benefits of disability sport and how it can help people both physically and psychologically after they have suffered serious injuries or illness. Many of our clients have used disability sports to help with their rehabilitation and recovery and we recognise the positive impact it can have – particularly for people who have been active prior to needing our help.”

Taking place at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) from 12th-14th October 2018, Cycle Expo Yorkshire is a partnership between Leeds-based marketing and events specialists, XSEM, and Welcome to Yorkshire.

Set to welcome thousands of cycling enthusiasts to the region the show will be a celebration of cycling. The packed programme includes races, competitions and exhibitors covering all cycling disciplines from BMX to triathlon.